How Can I Reduce Chances of Being Involved in a Car Accident

Unfortunately, car accidents happen every day. In some cases, the individuals involved in the accident are able to walk away uninjured, while in other cases consequences to the accident can result in life-altering injuries, or even the loss of life. There are many statistics that help to track trends in car accidents in order to help lessen the impact of auto collisions, while also reducing the number of accidents entirely. At the Law Office of Beverly R. Caruthers, we understand how difficult car accident cases can be to those who are involved, as well as their loved ones. No amount of money can ever turn back time, but it can make it easier to get medical treatment, maintain your lifestyle, and take care of those you love. If you have been injured in a car accident in Houston and are looking for an experienced attorney that will fight for your justice, contact us today.

Listed below is Texas Motor Vehicle Traffic Crash Facts Calendar Year 2019

• The Fatality Rate on Texas roadways for 2019 was 1.26 deaths per hundred million vehicle miles traveled. This is a 2.33% decrease from 2018.

•  Texas experienced a decrease in the number of motor vehicle traffic fatalities. The 2019 death toll of 3,610 was a decrease of 1.15% from the 3,652 deaths recorded in 2018

• There were 12,897 serious injury crashes in Texas in 2019 with 15,843 people sustaining a serious injury*.

• The annual vehicle miles traveled in Texas during 2019 reached 286.268 billion, an increase of 1.5% over the 282.037 billion traveled in 2018.

• Fatalities in traffic crashes in rural areas of the state accounted for 51.69% of the state’s

          traffic fatalities. There were 1,866 deaths in rural traffic crashes.

• Single vehicle, run-off the road crashes resulted in 1,161 deaths in 2019. This was 32.16% of all motor vehicle traffic deaths in 2019.

• In 2019 there were 731 people killed in crashes occurring in intersections or related to 

          an intersection.

• There were 600 people killed in head-on crashes in 2019.

• There were no deathless days on Texas roadways in 2019.

• There was one crash that resulted in 6 or more fatalities in 2019.

• Wednesday, June 5th and Saturday, December 7th was the deadliest day in 2019

          with twenty-one (21) persons killed in traffic crashes. 

• December was the deadliest month with 333 persons killed.

• Based on reportable crashes in 2019: 1 person was killed every 2 hours

          26 minutes

• 1 person was injured every 2 minutes 3 seconds

• 1 reportable crash occurred every 56 seconds

• Of all persons killed in vehicles where restraint usage was applicable and usage

          was known in 2019, 42.42% were reported as not restrained when the fatal crash occurred.

• 256,338 persons were injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2019.

• There were 410 motorcyclists (operators and passengers) killed in 2019. Forty-five percent (45%) of motorcyclists killed were not wearing helmets at the time of the crash.

• Pedestrian fatalities totaled 660 in 2019. This is a 5.43% increase from 2018.

• Pedal cyclist fatalities totaled 68 in 2019. This is a 4.23% decrease from 2018.

• In 2019, there were 886 people killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes where a driver was under the influence of alcohol. This is 25% of the total number of people killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes.

• During 2019, more DUI – Alcohol crashes were reported in the hour between 2:00 am

          and 2:59 am than any other hour of the day. Also, more of these crashes occurred on Saturday than any other day of the week.

• In 2019, there were 377 people killed in crashes involving distracted driving. This is a 6% decrease from 2018.

• There were no fatalities caused by a bridge collapse.

By reading these statistics there are some great takeaways for drivers to help protect themselves and others from being involved in a serious car accident, such as always wearing a seatbelt, never driving under the influence, and avoiding driving on weekends between 2 am and 3 am. It is important to remember that even the most careful and lawful drivers are still at risk of being involved in a car accident. There are many variables that go into what causes a car accident, many of which are out of your control.

According to the CDC: 

Most drivers and passengers killed in crashes are unrestrained. 53% of drivers and passengers killed in car crashes in 2009 were not wearing restraints.1

Seat belts dramatically reduce risk of death and serious injury. Among drivers and front-seat passengers, seat belts reduce the risk of death by 45%, and cut the risk of serious injury by 50%.

Seat belts prevent drivers and passengers from being ejected during a crash. People not wearing a seat belt are 30 times more likely to be ejected from a vehicle during a crash. More than 3 out of 4 people who are ejected during a fatal crash die from their injuries.

Seat belts save thousands of lives each year, and increasing use would save thousands more. Seat belts saved almost 13,000 lives in 2009. If all drivers and passengers had worn seat belts that year, almost 4,000 more people would be alive today.

In one year alone, crash deaths and injuries to drivers and passengers cost $70 billion in medical and lost work costs

When do drunk driving accidents most frequently occur?

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 31% of fatal drunk-driving accidents occur on the weekend, and the highest number of drunk drivers is on the road between midnight and 3 a.m. Fatal crashes are also four times higher at night than during the day. Reducing your time on the road between these hours on weekends, will help to reduce your chances of being involved in a car accident with a drunk driver. 

Why is drunk driving so dangerous?

According to AlcoholRehabGuide.org

Any amount of alcohol in your bloodstream can impact your driving ability. The effects of alcohol abuse vary greatly, putting you at risk for causing an accident or highway injury. Safe driving requires the ability to concentrate, make good judgments and quickly react to situations. However, alcohol affects these skills, putting yourself and others in danger.

Listed below are some of the ways alcohol impairs your driving skills:

Slows reaction time: When alcohol is in your system, it affects how quickly you’re able to respond to different situations. Drinking slows your response time, which can increase the likelihood of an accident. Therefore, if the car in front of you brakes suddenly or a pedestrian crosses the street, it will take longer for your brain to process the situation and prevent an accident.

Lack of coordination: Heavy drinking affects your motor skills such as eye, hand and foot coordination. Without crucial coordination skills, you may be unable to avoid an impending harmful situation. Some telltale signs of reduced coordination include trouble walking, swaying and inability to stand straight. Too much alcohol can even make it difficult to get in your car and find its ignition.

Reduce concentration: Alcohol, no matter how much or how little, can influence your concentration. With driving, there are many things that require your undivided concentration such as staying in your lane, your speed, other cars on the road and traffic signals. Your attention span is dramatically reduced with drinking, which significantly increases the chance of an accident.

Decrease vision: Excessive alcohol consumption can negatively impact your vision. After drinking, you may notice that your vision is blurred or that you’re unable to control your eye movement. Impaired vision can affect how you judge the distance between your car and other vehicles on the road. Additionally, fewer objects may be visible within your peripheral vision, or what you can see to either side of you when looking straight ahead.

Inhibit judgment: Your brain controls how you judge certain circumstances. When operating a motorized vehicle, your judgment skills play an important role in how you make decisions. For instance, you need to be able to foresee potential problems and make clear decisions if another vehicle cuts you off. Your judgment helps you stay alert and aware of surrounding conditions while driving.

What do I do if I have been involved in an accident with a drunk driver?

Being involved in an accident with a drunk driver adds a whole new level of complexity to your car accident case. Protect yourself by choosing to work with an experienced, and determined personal injury attorney. Attorney Caruthers works with you every step of the way to ensure that your case is being heard and to avoid insurance companies taking advantage of you while you are vulnerable. With Attorney Caruthers on your side, you will have an advocate for your needs, who will not back down when it comes to negotiating with insurance companies and fighting for your rights as a victim. Attorney Caruthers has over 30 years of experience fighting for her customers and getting them the compensation they need to cover their medical bills, property damage, emotional suffering, loss of wages, and so much more. Our team will discuss your legal options moving forward to help determine if it is in your best interest to file a lawsuit in your car accident case, whenever you schedule a no-obligation, no-cost, car accident evaluation in Houston.

Every day, car accidents leave physical and financial devastation to those who are unable to get the compensation they deserve for the damages they have suffered. Since these cases can be an expensive ordeal that ends up leading to thousands of dollars in medical bills, auto repairs, and lost wages, it is important to do everything you can to protect yourself following a car accident. Receiving compensation for an accident that was not your fault can provide vital financial support and necessary medical assistance. The team at the Law Office of Beverly R. Caruthers is here to help you navigate this difficult time in your life, so that you can move forward without having to worry about affording the things you need. Do not hesitate, contact us today to learn more about your options moving forward. 

Legal Help For the 1.3 Million Spanish Speakers in Houston

Houston is home to over 1 million Spanish-speaking individuals! Unfortunately, these individuals often fall through the cracks of the legal system and are unable to get justice in their car accident cases. At the Law Office of Beverly R. Caruthers, our team refuses to let a language barrier affect your right to justice and compensation. If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident and is in need of Spanish-speaking legal advice, our team is here for you. We make it simple for those who have been injured in car accidents to navigate the legal system in order to get the results they need to continue on in their lives. Schedule your no-obligation car accident consultation with Attorney Caruthers today. Our team will work with you every step of the way to ensure your needs are being met and that you are getting the treatment you deserve in your car accident case. Don’t hesitate, the sooner you call the more we can do to get you results.

Best Car Accident Attorney in Houston TX

If you have been injured, experienced loss of income, or are unable to work because of a car accident, you can benefit from the services of a Houston car accident expert in your personal injury case. Whether you missed work due to an injury or due to not having access to a vehicle, Attorney Beverly R. Caruthers can help you! Our team works hard to bring the most efficient and practical solutions to your car accident case. Beverly R. Caruthers proudly serves and defends the Greater Houston area including but not limited to Baytown, Conroe, Crosby, Humble, Huntsville, Lake Jackson, Missouri City, Pasadena, Spring, Tomball. Our legal team is bilingual and offers Spanish speaking legal counsel for all of our clients. If you need legal representation following an incident don’t hesitate to contact Beverly R. Caruthers Law Office! 

Caruthers Law Firm
Address: 4141 Southwest Fwy, Suite 400
Houston, TX 77027
(713) 526-9557
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In the aftermath of an accident that leaves you or a loved one injured, it is crucial to know where to turn for support and justice. The Caruthers Law Firm stands as a beacon of unwavering commitment to the cause of pursuing justice for injury victims. With a track record that speaks volumes about our dedication to excellence and passion for our clients, we have garnered recognition throughout the Houston area as a trusted name in the legal community. When you or a family member suffers an injury due to the negligence of another, the need for an attorney who is not just competent but also recognized for their excellence becomes paramount. The Houston personal injury attorney at The Caruthers Law Firm fits that bill precisely. We have earned accolades and trust from our clients because we don not just handle cases; we champion causes. Our cases frequently involve traumatic, life-altering events, such as the loss of a loved one, and our relentless pursuit of justice ensures our clients receive the compensation necessary to secure their financial future. Our dedicated efforts have successfully secured over $50 million in settlements for our clients, and our commitment to excellence has brought us national recognition, particularly in fields like birth injury law. Whether your life has been upended by a tragic accident or the negligence of another party, you can confide in Caruthers Law Firm to handle your case with the utmost skill, dedication, and compassion in your time of need. Every case we undertake is treated with the gravity and importance it deserves, and we strive to provide the best possible representation to our clients. At Caruthers Law Firm, our attorneys boast an impressive array of knowledge and expertise in various practice areas, including personal injury, criminal defense, wrongful death, and more. We fully acknowledge that each case is unique, and we value the individual concerns and needs of our clients. This understanding leads us to craft tailored legal strategies that address each case is distinctive challenges. When you choose Caruthers Law Firm as your legal representation, you can expect a high degree of professionalism, unwavering integrity, and an unparalleled commitment from the beginning of your case to its conclusion. We are not just lawyers; we are advocates for your rights, dedicated to securing the justice you deserve.

For over three decades, Beverly R. Caruthers has been on an unwavering mission to provide her clients with top-notch, tenacious, and compassionate legal services and representation. Attorney Beverly R. Caruthers has not only amassed extensive experience but has also consistently delivered high-quality legal assistance to those who have sought her counsel. Her journey to legal expertise began with academic distinction, having graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts from Tougaloo College, followed by the acquisition of her Juris Doctor from Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University. With a primary focus on Personal Injury, Criminal Law, and Business Law, Attorney Beverly R. Caruthers has honed her legal acumen in these pivotal areas. Complementing her knowledge and skills, The Law Office of Beverly R. Caruthers is fortified by a collaborative team of seasoned and highly qualified attorneys. Together, they work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcomes for each and every client they serve. In the Caruthers family, the pursuit of legal excellence seems to be a cherished tradition. Briona Caruthers, following in the footsteps of her older brother and colleague, hails from Missouri City, Texas, where she graduated from Elkins High School in 2015. Venturing outside her hometown, she spent four years at Hofstra University in New York, where she diligently earned her Bachelor Degree in Legal Studies in Business in 2019. After her academic journey in New York, she returned to her roots in Houston, Texas. There, she attended the same illustrious institution where her mother, Beverly R. Caruthers, and her brothers, Eddie and Parker Caruthers, had studied—the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University. In 2022, Briona graduated Cum Laude from TSU, thereby continuing the family legacy. Beyond her legal pursuits, Briona finds solace in retail therapy and enjoys exploring the world through her travels when she is not in the office, fervently advocating for her clients rights. Parker Caruthers, another member of the Caruthers family, was born and raised in Missouri City, Texas, where he completed his high school education at Clements High School in 2012. His educational journey took him to Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing in 2017. Parker commitment to legal studies led him to the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at TSU, from where he graduated in 2021. During his time in law school, Parker legal prowess shone through as he secured victory in the Helen Dawn Williams Mock Trial competition, all while gaining valuable experience through internships at the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. Opting to take a different path by not pursuing prosecution, Parker joined Caruthers Law Firm in 2021. Beyond the legal realm, Parker passions extend to sports fandom and his role as a proud dog owner. At the Caruthers Law Firm, we take a refreshingly transparent and candid approach when assessing our potential clients circumstances. We believe in clear, honest, and direct communication, leaving aside the legal jargon to speak in terms that our clients can readily understand. Each client is treated as a unique individual, receiving personalized and attentive care throughout their legal journey with us.

We are immensely grateful to each and every individual who wholeheartedly contributed to the success of "The Christmas Toy Drive and Giveaway" and "The Back to School Giveaway" right here in the vibrant city of Houston. Your support has made a profound difference in the lives of countless local children, and it is a testament to the incredible community spirit that defines our city. At The Caruthers Law Firm, we take great pride in being active sponsors of these important initiatives, which focus on providing crucial resources to Houstons youth. Some of the recipients come from families struggling with limited income, making it challenging for them to provide the necessary school supplies for their children. For others, the prospect of a joyous Christmas was a distant dream due to a lack of toys. In these circumstances, we aimed to make a meaningful and positive impact on these children and their families. It is through the unwavering support and dedication of our local community that we were able to realize this vision. We encourage you to consider joining us in this noble cause and be a part of the change in the lives of Houston families. Your involvement can take various forms, whether through donating items, contributing funds, or taking the initiative to organize a collection drive within your organization, church, club, or local community. Your support will undoubtedly go a long way in touching the lives of those in need, ensuring that every child in our city can look forward to a brighter future. By working together, we not only provide essential items but also instill a sense of hope, compassion, and generosity within our beloved Houston community. Together, we can create a stronger, more caring, and inclusive community, one that continues to uplift and empower those who need it most. Thank you for being a part of this vital mission.